Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “Moaning. I think she’s coming around.” He pulled her tighter against his chest. His heart still pounded. Not until Drake’s last shot was he sure they’d get her away without further harm.

  “Looks like you guys had all the fun,” Nate said as he got to them. The other FBI agents surrounded Yannell and three of Brent’s men followed.

  Brent and Nate turned their heads at the sound of sirens. Two ambulances followed by a rescue fire truck and two police cars came speeding down the dirt road.

  Angie moved in Brent’s arms. She opened her eyes and blinked. The sweetest smile crossed her face. “I didn’t know how you’d find me, but I knew you’d come.” Her voice came out raspy.

  He kissed her gently on the lips. “Sweet thing, I’ll always find you.”

  She nodded, and laying her head against his shoulder, she closed her eyes. His heart filled with such an ache. If she didn’t marry him, life would not be the same ever. He’d just have to make sure to convince her to say yes.

  The medics hurried to Yannell’s side. One turned and noticed Angie in Brent’s arms.

  “Was she involved? Is she hurt?”

  “She’d better be checked. She was kidnapped by those two.”

  Brent hadn’t noticed her neck until they laid her on the stretcher. “What the hell? I should have killed the SOB.”

  Faint bruises covered her white skin.

  “Looks like he tried to strangle her and changed his mind at the last minute,” the medic said. “We’ll take her to the hospital for a more thorough check. But I expect other than a sore throat that she’ll be fine.”

  “Thanks, we’ll follow behind. Are you all out of San Antonio?”

  “On the outskirts. We were the closest to you.”

  Brent held her hand as they wheeled her to the ambulance. She woke briefly. Fright came into her eyes when the men started to put her inside the ambulance. “Who are you?”

  “It’s all right, sweetheart. They’re the good guys. They’re taking you to the hospital to get checked by the doctor.”

  “Please go with me. Don’t leave me alone.” She clung to his hand.

  Drake touched Brent’s shoulder. “Go on. I’ll follow in the truck.”

  “Thanks. You guys have a problem with me riding along, because I have to tell you, that’s the only way she’s going.”

  The medic grinned. “Get on board. I don’t think you’re a guy I want to have mad at me.”

  “What do you want us to do, boss?” one of Brent’s men asked.

  “Unless Agent Glynes needs you, go back and wait at Drake’s ranch. You have the GPS to his place, too. Drake, can they bunk there for a night?”

  “Sure, longer if needed. Go on.”

  Brent jumped in beside Angie. He glanced out the back window as they rode off. Yannell was being loaded into the other ambulance. No doubt Nate and his cohorts wouldn’t be far behind. He waited until they were closer to town before he tried to call Mick.

  “Where are you?”

  “I stayed behind to help protect the sister just in case it was needed.”

  “Good. We’re going to the hospital to have Angie checked. I’ll contact Jackson. I’m sure he’ll let you and Angie’s sister stay there for tonight. How is she doing?”

  “Scared. Although I assured her she wasn’t going to be hurt. Is her father all right?”

  “He took several bullets. He’ll live to go on trial. Do you think she knows what he’s into?”

  “My guess is no. At least not on a conscious level.”

  “This is going to be a mess before it’s over, especially for her. I’ll let you know when we’re getting back to town. The other guys are bunking at Drake’s.” He closed his phone and found Angie staring at him.

  “It’s going to break my sister’s heart, isn’t it?”

  “I’m afraid so, honey.” He brushed his hand across her forehead. “Don’t worry. She won’t be alone. She’ll have you and me to help her.”

  Apparently satisfied, Angie’s eyes closed, and her breathing eased. Brent looked at her small hand cradled in his large one.

  Damn, this little cowgirl had lassoed his heart tight. He’d feel a lot better when he had that ring he bought on her finger.

  Chapter Eleven

  Angie rode back to Saddle Creek in the backseat of Drake’s truck, held tight in Brent’s arms. The doctor had said she’d have a sore throat for days, but no permanent damage had been done. None on the outside, anyway. She wondered if she’d ever get rid of the nightmare when Yannell tried to choke her while he glared at her with his crazed eyes and red face.

  A kiss brushed her hair. “Don’t think about it, sweetheart. It takes time, but nightmares fade gradually. As long as I can keep you feeling safe, you’ll get a little better every day.”

  “How did you know what I was thinking?”

  “Been there and seen things I never want to recall.”

  “Is that why you want to leave your job?” She choked as the words scraped along her sore throat.

  “Don’t talk. Rest. But, in answer to your question, partially, and the timing is right.”

  “I’m scared to meet my sister,” she whispered.

  “Don’t be. From what I’ve heard she’s a nice lady. If she hated you, she’d never have tried so hard to find you. Developing a relationship with her may take time, but it will happen.”

  Angie burrowed her face into his chest. “You smell good.”

  She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

  * * * *

  It was dark when they drove into the drive to Drake’s house. Brent couldn’t remember when he’d slept last. He climbed out of the truck’s back seat and carried Angie inside the ranch house.

  Janice waited in the living room. “Take her straight up to your room. We only have the one guest room.”

  “No problem. I can bunk with my men.”

  Angie raised her head and tried to smile, but her head fell back against Brent’s shoulder.

  “Thank goodness you two got to her in time. She still looks very pale,” Janice said, following Brent to his room. She pulled the covers back, and Brent put Angie down. Immediately, she turned on her side, sighed, and went back to sleep.

  “What happened?”

  “If you’ll feed me, I’ll tell you while I eat. After that I’m going to crash.”

  “Come on, I have supper in the oven.”

  Drake pulled Janice to him when she came into the kitchen. “I missed you.”

  “Same here.” She smiled and touched his face. “I was worried until you called and said you were all right.”

  “Darlin’, you knew with Brent and I both on the job the bad guys were bound to get caught.”

  Laughing, she went to the stove to serve up their meal. “Well at least I knew if big egos and strong bodies could do the task, the two of you would succeed.”

  Drake moved behind her and pulled her against him. “You like my big ego and other parts.” He nuzzled her neck.

  “Get away from me. Your brother is right there.”

  “He’s old enough to know a woman likes her man to talk naughty to her.”

  Brent hooted. “I’m going to rinse my face and give you two some privacy. Be careful, big brother. She may hit you with that frying pan.” He slipped out of the room and walked down the hall to the half bath.

  Cool water splashed on his face helped, but about eight hours of sleep would be better. He envied Drake the relationship he had with Janice. Their teasing and the looks they gave each other made it obvious to all around them how happy they were.

  That’s what he wanted, but only with Angie. He expected they had a few hurdles to get over first before they got there.

  * * * *

  Brent waited until late morning to wake Angie. He'd gone to bed at ten and been up since six. She turned and frowned at him. “We need to dress and go to Jackson’s for lunch. You’ll want to meet your sister. I want to get you both on the plane to Montana before the new
s hounds search you out.”

  “Has it hit the papers?” she asked, sitting up and yawning.

  “The local ones. It’ll probably be broadcast nationally by noon. One of my men rang me to say all the well-known networks had people arriving in town. So come, sleepy head, and get your shower. You can eat at Jackson’s. We’re getting out of here.”

  “All right already.” Angie sat on the side of her bed and swayed. Brent reached out his hand to steady her.

  “I’ll be fine. Give me a moment.”

  Brent ran his fingers through her silky hair. “Hmm, wish we had time to lay in that bed together.”

  “Don’t get any ideas. I don’t think I have a spot on my body that doesn’t ache.”

  “The big guy falling on you didn’t help, but I thought that was better than letting you get on the plane with them.”

  “Absolutely.” She shivered. “Yannell had plans to get information out of me using whatever torture instruments his man had on the plane.”

  “He’ll rot in jail.” Brent growled the words.

  Angie gave him a weak smile. “I like your rough, protective side.”

  “Up you come.” He pulled her into a standing position. “Can you walk and shower alone, or do you need help?”

  “If you help, we won’t get to Jackson’s until much later.”

  “You’re right. I’ll sit right here and behave. Holler if you need me.”

  When she staggered again, he scooped her into his arms. “Hell, I’m going to be right beside you.” He strode into the bathroom and helped her undress, and then quickly dispensed of his clothes.

  She stepped into the shower and Brent moved behind her. He reached around and turned on the water to warm. The first out was cold, and Angie yelped and jumped against him. His cock came to full attention, and his blood rushed through his veins.

  Down, boy, cool it. She’s sore and weak.

  But then she turned to face him. She put her arms around his neck and let her body weight lean against him. Her lips were an inch away from his mouth.

  “Behave. I’m a healthy, red-blooded, young man with very little control where you’re concerned.”

  “Maybe I don’t want you to be in control.”

  “Angie, you're sore and exhausted. I will not take advantage of you.”

  She grinned. “Guess I’ll have to take advantage of you, then.” She slid down his body and took his cock into one hand and his balls in the other. Her tongue licked the top.

  He drew a deep, rasping breath. “This isn’t a good idea.”

  “Sure, it is.” Her mouth took him in deep and she sucked.

  The top of his head almost blew off when the spike of pleasure shot through him. His knees weakened, and for a second he almost fell at her feet. Desire swirled in his gut. His heart pounded loud in his ears.

  Warm water cascaded around them as the temperature inside him rose to boiling. Her tongue caressed all around his dick. His fingers held tight to her damp head.

  “I’m going to shoot off like a rocket in any minute.” He managed to get the words out around his clenched jaw.

  For her answer, she took him in deeper and sucked hard. His release was intense. His cock pulsing in relief. Brent staggered back and slid down the tiled wall to the floor of the shower.

  Angie grinned and straddled his body. He pulled her head close and kissed her lips.

  They helped each other up. Taking the soap, Angie created a foam in her hands. Beginning at his neck, she rubbed his skin clean.

  “I thought you were tired and sore?” he asked as the desire built again.

  “I was wrong. I’m horny instead.” She winked at him.

  He hooted with laughter at such a word coming out of her mouth. “I can fix that.” He turned off the shower and lifted her in his arms and grabbed a towel.

  Taking long strides, he headed into the bedroom. He sat her on her feet by the bed. He dried her hair and down her body, taking his time to massage her muscles. When he was finished, he placed her in the bed, and after quickly drying himself, he lay beside her.

  Her large, pansy eyes had watched his every move. He was so hot for her again he hardly needed the towel to dry him. His dick was incredibly hard. Taking his time, he ran his finger along her cheek, down her neck, and across her breast. Her swollen peak stood out begging for his attention. His teeth raked across, and she moaned.

  His mouth closed over her breast and sucked. At the same time his other hand went between her legs and found her nub. He rubbed across the sensitive area, and her body moved even closer against him in anticipation of more.

  Moving down to her pink folds, he licked her sweet honey-flavored moisture and touched his tongue at her opening.

  “Take me, go in me,” she pleaded.

  His cock pulsed in response to her voice. Spreading her legs further apart, he put the top of his dick at her opening and plunged in deep and hard.

  Her inner muscles immediately clamped around his cock.

  “You know, sweet thing, I’ve forgotten that condom again. Shall I stop?”

  “If you do, I’ll kill you.”

  His heart expanded with warmth and love for this woman. She wasn’t going anywhere far from him. If he had to, he’d tie her to him until she accepted his proposal.

  “All right, honey. Here we go.”

  Little tremors began to ripple along her inner walls, as he went in and out, faster and faster. He bent his head and licked her taut nipple, then made his lips tight and pulled on the peak.

  He felt her orgasm coming and pushed deeper just before the pleasure swamped both of them.

  They lay wrapped in each other’s arms while their heartbeats slowed, and breathing returned to normal. Angie raised her head.

  “I think we’ve missed lunch.”

  “The hell with eating. You gave me all I need for substance. But we need to get out of here. They may already have found out where you’re staying. I’ll drive Drake’s truck and take the back roads to Jackson’s.”

  “Are you sure it’s necessary for us to fly to Montana?”

  “For the time being. I’ll follow soon. Things will be rough for a while. You and your sister may be required to testify to the grand jury or at his trial.”

  “It’ll be worse for her. I hate the man and want him to go to jail. I expect she loves him.”

  “Get dressed, we’ll go meet her and bring her into our family.”

  * * * *

  Lily was the first person Angie saw as Brent parked the truck. She had walked outside, and sunlight glistened off of hair, a slightly darker blonde than Angie’s. Hearing the truck motor, Lily turned and watched as they got out.

  Angie’s heart beat fast, and her hands trembled. She had no idea what her sister must think of her and their mother. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

  Brent took Angie’s hand and walked directly toward her sister. “Hi, I’m Brent Terrell. You must be Lily?” Lily nodded at him, but her eyes were on Angie.

  “I’m Angie McElvaine, or Diana Starling, whichever you prefer.” Angie heard the tremor in her voice. She studied this sister who looked so much like her. Her eyes were a warm golden brown, and she was shorter by about an inch. Her frame overall was more fragile-looking.

  “I heard our mother died.” Her soft voice held a hint of regret.

  “Yes, cancer took her.”

  “Why didn’t she try to contact me, at least at the end? I’d have come.”

  This time Angie heard the pain and hurt. “She feared your father, especially for me. But I should have been brave enough and had you come, for her sake and yours.”

  “But you didn’t.”

  “No. I’m sorry.” Angie pulled her shoulders back and faced the banked anger in her sister’s eyes.

  “Sorry is a useless word used by people who failed at something.” Lily turned and went inside.

  They followed her until she continued down the hall toward the bedrooms. Angie still wanted to go after h
er.

  “Wait.” Brent’s hand stopped. “Give her time. My guess is she’s already heard the news about her dad and is feeling she has no one now.”

  “She’s right. I was a coward. Mother would have resolved her grief over losing Lily. To be honest it didn’t occur to me to call her.

  "If you had, your stepfather might have followed his daughter and created problems you'd have been unable to deal with."

  “The idea of protecting our identity was too deeply engrained. Even though I had already made up my mind to do away with my physical disguise, I’d not intended to go back to my old name.” Angie sat on a leather lounge chair in the family room. “What do I do now?”

  “Hi, guys, I didn’t hear you arrive. I was back playing with the children.” Samantha breezed into the room. “Have some coffee.” She walked across to the adjoining kitchen and pulled out four cups. “Jackson will be back from the barn at any moment. Have you seen Lily?”

  “We met. I’m not her favorite person right now,” Angie said. She took the cup of coffee Samantha handed her and took a large swallow of the warm liquid. “Thanks, I needed this.”

  “We knocked on her door to tell her about her father, but she had on her laptop. The story was already on the Internet. The expression on her face was heartbreaking. Is she angry with you?”

  “Very.”

  “My guess is she doesn’t understand what happened between her dad and your mother and you. The report makes him sound like the monster he is, but I’d bet he never let Lily see that side of him.” Samantha handed a cup of coffee to Brent and sat beside Angie. “She’s probably using anger to keep herself from falling apart. Remember, her world as she knew it has blown up in her face.”

  “As mine did when I was ten.”

  Samantha brushed her hand across Angie’s cheek. “But you had your mother. A strong woman to depend on.”

  Brent looked across at Angie. “I’m sending the two of them to Montana,” he told Samantha.

  Angie frowned. “No. I can stand a little press asking questions. Send Lily. It’d be too awkward if we went together.”